Sony Professional Solutions introduces VENICE, its first full-frame digital motion picture camera system to filmmakers in the UAE

Sony Professional Solutions MEA launched its latest cinema camera VENICE, its first full-frame digital motion picture camera system catering to filmmakers and production experts. Positioned as the next generation of Sony’s CineAlta, the camera is designed to meet the demanding expectations of the thriving film production scene in the UAE. The launch event was held at In5 Media Innovation Centre on the 15th of March in the presence of noted personalities of the Arab film-making community.

The VENICE camera system expands filmmakers’ creative freedom through a host of advanced capabilities, creating opportunities to tell stories in bold new and interesting ways. VENICE has been created through close collaboration and careful research with the creative community, to closely match the expectations from filmmakers and production professionals when it comes to their choice for advanced camera systems and their capabilities.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Aydin Tolan, Head of Broadcast for Middle East, Sony Professional Solutions, said, “The new VENICE camera system is a result of our efforts to create a better camera, one that meets the needs of our users. Feedback from our customers was critical to the development of this unique and groundbreaking camera. The capabilities are incredible, giving filmmakers, cinematographers and everyone else involved in camerawork on a set – robustness, durability, portability, ease of use and an incredibly easy workflow process to significantly cut down production work. This is truly revolutionary.”

Its large-format, full frame image capture, anamorphic capabilities, interchangeable sensor, 8-step ND filter system, new color management system and established workflow allow for breathtaking cinematic capture matched by few other camera systems.

“VENICE is designed to be intuitive and part of a comprehensive integrated solution for the end users. The flexibility it allows is an exciting addition to the industry, and we are confident that the VENICE camera system will help the local film community grow and reach new heights in the region and globally. We are always keen to support the UAE’s new crop of homegrown talent to enable them to tell the most creative stories possible,” added Mr. Aydin Tolan.

VENICE – A filmmaker’s companion 

Full frame sensor and wide range of lens compatibility to visualize the image of filmmakers 

The camera combines a newly developed 36x24mm full frame sensor and compatibility with a wide range of lenses, including anamorphic, Super 35mm and full frame PL mount for a greater range of expressive freedom with shallow depth of field. The lens mount can also be changed to handle E-mount lenses for shooting situations that require smaller, lighter, wider and more characteristic lenses. User-selectable areas of the image sensor allow shooting in Super 35mm4-perf. Future firmware upgrades are planned to allow the camera to handle 36mm wide 6K resolution. Fast image scan technology minimizes ‘Jello’ effects.

New color management system and established workflow for flexible post-production 

A new color management system and wide color gamut gives users more control and greater freedom to work with images during grading and post-production. VENICE also has more than 15+ stops of latitude to handle challenging lighting situations from low-light to harsh sunlight.

VENICE achieves high quality and efficient file-based production through Sony’s established 16-bit RAW/X-OCN and XAVC workflows using the portable memory recorder AXS-R7. VENICE is also compatible with current and upcoming hardware accessories for CineAlta cameras (DVF-EL200 Full HD OLED Viewfinder, AXS-R7 recorder, AXS-CR1 and AR1 card reader, AXS and SxS memory cards).

Intuitive design and refined functionality to support smooth on-site operation

VENICE has a fully modular and intuitive design, with refined functionality to support smooth and efficient on-site operation. It is the film industry’s first camera with a built-in 8-step glass ND filter system, negating the need to replace external ND filters and make shooting more efficient. The camera is designed for easy operation with an intuitive control panel placed on the left and right sides of the cameras. A 24V power supply input/output and Lemo connector allow use of many standard camera accessories and make VENICE’s use in harsh environments easier.

License options for individual production requirements 

With VENICE, Sony is giving users the option to customize their camera by enabling the features needed, matched to their individual production requirements. Optional licenses will be available in permanent, monthly and weekly durations to expand the camera’s capabilities with new features including 4K anamorphic and full frame, each sold separately.

The VENICE CineAlta digital motion picture camera system is now available in the region through Sony Professional Solution’s authorized distribution partners.